NYWayfarer

Proud Papa moment. My son learned how to use a baitcaster and caught his first Whopper Plopper river Smallmouth Bass all in the same day. I was throwing in-line spinners and the Ned Rig and got a few all the same size.

I use the regular Loctite super glue. The conical black cap fits securely and locks in place. The few times the tip dried up I was able to get it flowing again with a toothpick.

People have been leaving still smoldering fires by some of the hike to fish places I visit. Today was the fourth time in the last two months I have had to put someone else’s fire out.

Day 2 of testing the new reel I got for Father’s Day. Using a Panther Martin Classic 1/4 oz lure on the river. Got a bunch of Smallmouth Bass all around this size. I also brought a baitcaster setup with a Rebel Pop-R. Lost a big fish when he shook it. Makes me think about replacing those hooks. The stock ones are terrible.

Reel: Lew’s Speed Spin SS20HS $59.99 Rod: Dobyn’s Fury FR702SF $119.00 or ST Croix Premier 7’ Med Lt/F $149.99

My Dad and I would go fishing all the time. He loves ultralight tackle and the smallest diameter line he can get away with. We fished highly pressured public waters. A Bluegill on those setups would feel like fighting a 7 pound Bass. I grew up doing a lot of finesse fishing so spinning gear was a must. When I was old enough to make my own money I bought my first baitcaster. I used it for awhile and introduced it to my Dad who purchased his soon after. I still use a lot of spinning gear. Dad taught me when the bite is tough, downsize. You can still catch a big fish on a small lure. My current bank fishing setups are 2 baitcasters and 1 spinning combo.

I see your point now. With one, maybe two fingers in front of the reel stem I have not had issues rubbing against the threads. I would prefer if they weren’t exposed. It would give the combo a cleaner look.

Neither do I. Usually 1 or two fingers in front of the reel stem. A small portion of my palm rests on the Winn Grip of rods like this. Most of the grip is untouched while I am holding the rod in a normal fishing grip. I never put much thought into exposed threads. They are easy to clean.

Dog walkers that do not have their pet on a leash. I fish at the river's edge off a walking trail. A few weeks ago a guy had his dog off the leash and it came charging down the hill at me. I saw it coming at the last second. It almost got a snoot full of pepper spray. I love dogs. their owners I am not crazy about. Trash is bad. Trash left by people fishing is worse IMO.

I agree. Great red blend wine.

Tonight I had a glass of Barefoot Rich Red Blend wine with a homemade meatball hero.

http:// Fathers Day gift arrived today. Lew’s Speed Spin SS20HS. Spooled it with some 8# line and paired it with my Powell Nuisance rod and caught over half a dozen Redbreast Sunfish in a short session. First impression is this reel reminds me of the old Pflueger President reel I own. Nice reel. Feels solid for a graphite reel.

You did the right thing. They did the wrong thing. I hope this doesn't discourage you from helping others in the future.

If you think about it the Whopper Plopper is pretty economical if you take into account how long it lasts and how many fish you catch on one bait. I have my Bone 90 for 2 seasons and caught lots of fish on it. I Sharpened the hooks once and replaced the front treble when I broke it on a rock. Other than that it’s built tough. Buzzbaits get bent and have to be replaced frequently.

Topwater bite here started earlier than normal. It’s in full swing now and I am catching multiple fish with it up until early afternoon. 90 size in Bone is my favorite WP Got a nice Smallmouth on it fishing this Father’s Day morning. http://

Berkley Powerbait Atomic Tubes. They work as well as, if not better than, live worms for Bluegills.

I also use a MH/F rod and use a sweeping hookset to avoid ripping the lure from the fishes mouth. While I have had success with the Loon, I know it and Bluegill colored Plopper, Bone rules the day. I catch the bulk of my fish on that color. Usually half a dozen Rock Bass to each Smallmouth. The hooks are crazy sharp. Fish get pinned just swiping at it. http:// Or when they engulf it. http://

It has been hot the last few days. Luckily the bite has been as well. http://

It was a topwater kind of morning. Out at 6am to the river. Whopper Plopper and Rebel Pop-R were the stars today. Plenty of Smallmouth action. Even managed to get a Largemouth in the lily pads.

Guess I am adding black and blue jigs and trailers to my shopping list. Green Pumpkin has been my go to color

I would rather use artificial myself as well. However live bait can be fun every once and awhile. It’s legal here during Bass season. The Gill caught to use for bait should be from the same body of water you are fishing for Bass and count towards your daily limit.

Worms catch Bluegill, Bluegill catch Bass. When live bait fishing I bring a light spinning set up to catch Gills with worms. I put the Gills on a circle hook and use Casting gear and a big bobber to catch Bass.

I fish ultra clear water and the straight moss green braid doesn’t seem to bother the fish. I have a dedicated set up for the Plopper, my Lew’s Mach Crush combo. No worries about switching baits and needing a leader.

Couldn’t find a split shot to save my life at the local Walmart’s in my area. The shelves were quite bare. Luckily I have a doomsday prepper type stash of baits and hooks. I am low on my most used stuff. It might mean having to dip into less used other baits and styles.

Misses are going to happen. Smallies sometimes “slap” the bait. The stock hooks on the Plopper are sticky sharp and sometimes I hook them in the back when they do that. They do eventually need to be replaced. Mine have dulled and broken hitting rocks and getting stuck. I have had way more hookups using straight 30# braid and a moderate fast rod. @Bluebasser86 recommended straight 20# braid and I am glad I switched. One of the best advice I have received on this forum.